Preamble / Course Background
To date there are very few oncology rehabilitation programs included in the curriculum of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy degree courses within the United States. Approximately 10% of graduating Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists have had formal education with regards to the evaluation and treatment of oncology patients.
With a growing population of cancer survivors, estimated to be 18 million by 2020, PT’s and OT’s have a responsibility within our profession and to the public to be able to implement standardized care, and evidence-based treatment to this patient population. Additionally, the US Department of Health and the COC together with the American College of Surgeons have stipulated that by 2015 "Oncology Rehabilitation" MUST be a component of the "Survivorship Programs" provided by certified Cancer Centers across the United States. To this end, Oncology Rehabilitation must be included in the scope of practice for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. However, it must be implemented responsibly, safely and effectively, and with a consistency within the "Standard of Care" across the profession. This course provides the necessary information and clinical skill set for our profession to be able to blaze the trail forward in this new entity of care.
The course provides a very research-based comprehensive foundation of knowledge of the science of cancer and its treatment, and a very well structured, safe, and effective implementation of clinical application and treatment.
The course identifies a detailed list of evidence-based research to date, and also helps participants to understand and identify clinical areas where further evidence-based research is needed for our profession to evolve into this field more effectively.
With a growing population of cancer survivors, estimated to be 18 million by 2020, PT’s and OT’s have a responsibility within our profession and to the public to be able to implement standardized care, and evidence-based treatment to this patient population. Additionally, the US Department of Health and the COC together with the American College of Surgeons have stipulated that by 2015 "Oncology Rehabilitation" MUST be a component of the "Survivorship Programs" provided by certified Cancer Centers across the United States. To this end, Oncology Rehabilitation must be included in the scope of practice for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. However, it must be implemented responsibly, safely and effectively, and with a consistency within the "Standard of Care" across the profession. This course provides the necessary information and clinical skill set for our profession to be able to blaze the trail forward in this new entity of care.
The course provides a very research-based comprehensive foundation of knowledge of the science of cancer and its treatment, and a very well structured, safe, and effective implementation of clinical application and treatment.
The course identifies a detailed list of evidence-based research to date, and also helps participants to understand and identify clinical areas where further evidence-based research is needed for our profession to evolve into this field more effectively.
PORi Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist Course Description
Using Breast Cancer as a Prototype Model of Care, the course instructs participants in the clinical skill sets and techniques needed to effectively deliver well structured, comprehensive oncology rehabilitation therapy. The clinical skill sets and techniques instructed in PORi are based on integrated treatment models designed to include Myofascial Trigger Point Release, Joint Mobilization, Neural Mobilization, Lymphatic Manual Drainage, Pain Mitigation and Functional Restoration. These techniques are placed in the context of understanding the physiological and anatomical effects of cancer treatments including specific surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, radiation therapy, and adjuvant medications.
Careful study is made of the impact of cancer treatment on the Epidermal, Dermal, Myofascial, Skeletal, Lymphatic, Vascular and Neural Systems, and the treatment protocols instructed by PORi relate to the optimal resolution of signs and symptoms within these body systems.
All of the clinical skill sets and techniques instructed within PORi are derived from evidence-based clinical applications within the scope of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy practice. One of the more defining elements of PORi, presented along-side PT/OT evidence-based clinical application, is the necessary physiological and anatomical knowledge unique to the oncology patient population, which is required by qualified practitioners to accurately and safely implement oncology-specific treatment plans and realistic goal-based outcomes for this patient population.
Careful study is made of the impact of cancer treatment on the Epidermal, Dermal, Myofascial, Skeletal, Lymphatic, Vascular and Neural Systems, and the treatment protocols instructed by PORi relate to the optimal resolution of signs and symptoms within these body systems.
All of the clinical skill sets and techniques instructed within PORi are derived from evidence-based clinical applications within the scope of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy practice. One of the more defining elements of PORi, presented along-side PT/OT evidence-based clinical application, is the necessary physiological and anatomical knowledge unique to the oncology patient population, which is required by qualified practitioners to accurately and safely implement oncology-specific treatment plans and realistic goal-based outcomes for this patient population.
Live Patient Presentations
The course includes between 6 and 7 live patient case presentations of patients who have undergone a variety of treatments for breast cancer and present with a variety of conditions and side-effects relating to their cancer treatments. A patient case presentation can run as long as 3 hours and participants are given the opportunity, with guided supervision from the instructor, to perform subjective and objective evaluations on these patients, as well as practice the appropriate techniques (presented in the course) on the patients during these lab sessions.
Examination
On the final day, participants are required to complete a 1hr written examination and follow this with an initial evaluation on instructor-observed treatment session on a post-surgery breast cancer patient (who has not been one of the patients previously presented). Competency and proficiency in the techniques of oncology rehabilitation therapy and an understanding of the effects of cancer treatments on the body’s systems will be tested.